Did You Know? Reading to dogs can boost reading skills in children as well as help with emotional and social skills. Children in our community can read with Romeo the Basset Hound and Benny the Portuguese Water Dog. Both of our boys are sweet and love kids, so drop in to read and make a new furry friend! Good for school-aged children.

Reading Skills

Reading to dogs gives children essential extra practice with reading and oral skills.

Some children feel that reading becomes less difficult when reading to a dog and are more willing to read aloud at school.

Reading to dogs has motivated some children to start reading more at home, especially to their pets.

Children want to try reading more difficult books as they go through the reading to dogs program.

Kids feel more confident when answering reading related questions.

Research studies have shown that reading fluency can increase after participating in a reading to dogs program.

Emotional Benefits

Children enjoy the program and think it's fun! They look forward to coming to the library because a dog is waiting for them.

Children feel comfortable reading to dogs because dogs don't judge if a word is mispronounced.

The process of petting dogs can help with motor skills and is also known to be a calming factor that can reduce stress, blood pressure, and anxiety.

Some children feel nervous when reading aloud and reading with a dog immediately calms them down.

Kids feel safe when sitting with a dog from the program.

Reading to dogs boosts the confidence levels of struggling readers and gives children an increased sense of pride.

A child can feel like a leader by turning the book toward the dog, reading aloud, and pretending (s)he is the teacher.

Children feel a sense of accomplishment by reading an entire book.

If a child has experienced a recent loss of a family member or pet, reading to a dog can help bring them comfort.

Social Benefits

Children learn to take turns while waiting for their chance to read to the dog.

Children can learn kindness and empathy by petting the dogs, cuddling with them, and bringing them treats.

Communication skills can be improved by practicing reading aloud.

Participants enjoy talking with each other and sharing books they have read.

Read, sing, play, & talk during circle time & continue with fun table time activities, combining STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) & Every Child Ready to Read, for baby through 5 years and their caregiver. No registration required..Sponsored by South Berkshire Kids (funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant provided by the Department of Early Education and Care), and the CHP Family Network.

Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, Sam will be offering basic tech support and instruction for PCs, Macs, smart phones, iPhones, iPads, tablets and probably other things as well. Basically, if you can bring it in and we can plug it in, Sam will see if he can help!

More information:-Sessions are 30 minutes long-Best to have a question or problem-PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, smart phones, tablets, basic computer skills and operation-Book in advance at the Main Circulation Desk or by calling Mason Library (413)-528-2403

For preschoolers & toddlersBring your youngsters to join in the fun stories and music! This is for all youngsters who want to listen to stories, sing-a-long with nursery songs, move to action and rhythm music & play with friends. Stories seasonally themed & songs to sing-a-long with and move to. Play with friends for a little while when the group activities are finished!**Please note that Ramsdell Library does not open until 1pm - this program is held before library hours.**

This is a stress-free, fun "Painting In Oils" class offered to adults, teens and children of all skill levels. We will be creating beautiful scenes of the seasonal Berkshire area in oils. No scene will be difficult with my guidance and one-on-one assistance as needed. Help with drawing will be provided as needed and composition, mixing colors, depiction of light and shadow and perspective will be shown during the process. Demonstrations, talks and critiques provided. Everyone paints at their own pace from their photo or my photo. Painting wet-on-wet demonstrated as well as glazing. Assistance with making a competent observational painting will be the goal, using correct proportions in an expressive manner. The painting process is exhilarating, transporting and joyful.

PLEASE REGISTER BY OCTOBER 29

MATERIAL SUPPLY LIST FOR PAINTING IN OIL:

(For beginners or students on a strict budget; students interested in higher quality supplies can purchase student grade or professional grade. Please note that the teacher will have some inexpensive supplies available for students to use if they do not have their own)

Michaels Arts and Crafts Store in Pittsfield has a nice selection of very inexpensive art supplies.

Did You Know? Reading to dogs can boost reading skills in children as well as help with emotional and social skills. Children in our community can read with Romeo the Basset Hound and Benny the Portuguese Water Dog. Both of our boys are sweet and love kids, so drop in to read and make a new furry friend! Good for school-aged children.

Reading Skills

Reading to dogs gives children essential extra practice with reading and oral skills.

Some children feel that reading becomes less difficult when reading to a dog and are more willing to read aloud at school.

Reading to dogs has motivated some children to start reading more at home, especially to their pets.

Children want to try reading more difficult books as they go through the reading to dogs program.

Kids feel more confident when answering reading related questions.

Research studies have shown that reading fluency can increase after participating in a reading to dogs program.

Emotional Benefits

Children enjoy the program and think it's fun! They look forward to coming to the library because a dog is waiting for them.

Children feel comfortable reading to dogs because dogs don't judge if a word is mispronounced.

The process of petting dogs can help with motor skills and is also known to be a calming factor that can reduce stress, blood pressure, and anxiety.

Some children feel nervous when reading aloud and reading with a dog immediately calms them down.

Kids feel safe when sitting with a dog from the program.

Reading to dogs boosts the confidence levels of struggling readers and gives children an increased sense of pride.

A child can feel like a leader by turning the book toward the dog, reading aloud, and pretending (s)he is the teacher.

Children feel a sense of accomplishment by reading an entire book.

If a child has experienced a recent loss of a family member or pet, reading to a dog can help bring them comfort.

Social Benefits

Children learn to take turns while waiting for their chance to read to the dog.

Children can learn kindness and empathy by petting the dogs, cuddling with them, and bringing them treats.

Communication skills can be improved by practicing reading aloud.

Participants enjoy talking with each other and sharing books they have read.

Read, sing, play, & talk during circle time & continue with fun table time activities, combining STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) & Every Child Ready to Read, for baby through 5 years and their caregiver. No registration required..Sponsored by South Berkshire Kids (funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant provided by the Department of Early Education and Care), and the CHP Family Network.

Are you ready to blow the roof off of your silence? If you opened your mouth to speak your truth, would you know what to say? Join author, blogger, mother and artist Suzi Banks Baum for the Powder Keg Sessions writing workshops.

For more details about curriculum, contact Elaine CaliguiriDrop off policy: Children can be left at the library unattended by a parent when they are at least 9 years old. Younger children may need your assistance in program. Check in with Laurie & Elaine.

Kids love our Book Club! Susan Ebitz leads 4th through 6th graders in discussing some of the Massachusetts Children's Book Award (MCBA) 25 nominees. There is always a fun activity to go along with the book of the day. All selections will be available for check out throughtout the Book Club year--both in print & audio (when available). CLICK HERE for a brochure that lists the book titles & reading levels.

Check in with Massini Bus (413-229-7962) about your child coming to the library directly from school. A staff person will meet the Muddy Brook bus at the bus stop in front of the library/post office.

November 1, 15, 29 December 13 January 10, 24 February 7, 14, 28 March 14, 28

Apr 4 Pizza Party

Excellent for homeschoolers!

No registration necessary.At the last Book Club we will celebrate with a pizza party!

Bring your youngsters to join in the fun stories and music! This is for all youngsters who want to listen to stories, sing-a-long with nursery songs, move to action and rhythm music & play with friends. Stories seasonally themed & songs to sing-a-long with and move to. Play with friends for a little while when the group activities are finished!

**Please note that Ramsdell Library does not open until 1pm - this program is held before library hours.**